JUNIQ/EPIQ Summer School on Quantum Computing 2026
The Jülich Supercomputing Centre will host the summer school on “Quantum Computing – Applications across Digital and Analog Architectures” from August 24 to 28, 2026. The school is jointly organized by the Jülich UNified Infrastructure for Quantum computing (JUNIQ) and the NRW-funded project Entwicklungspartnerschaft Ionenfallen-Quantencomputer (EPIQ), a collaboration between Forschungszentrum Jülich and the quantum start-up eleQtron from Siegen. Additional contributions are provided by partners from academia and industry, including the QuGrids project and HQS Quantum Simulations.
The program combines lectures and hands-on sessions covering gate-based quantum computing, quantum annealing, and quantum simulation. Particular emphasis will be placed on real-world applications in optimization, scientific computing, and energy systems, highlighting how different quantum computing paradigms can be integrated into practical scientific and industrial workflows. Participants will gain hands-on experience using quantum computing resources accessible through the cloud-based JUNIQ platform and will have the opportunity to present their own research interests during a poster session. Participation is free of charge, and the event will take place on-site only.
Topics include:
Foundations
- Gate-Based Quantum Computing
- Quantum Annealing
- Quantum Simulation
Applications
- QUBO and Ising Models
- QAOA
- Quantum Optimization
- Energy Systems
Hardware
- Trapped-Ion Quantum Computing
- Quantum Gate Implementation
- Gate Characterization Techniques
- Error Mitigation
Registration
The school is aimed at students and researchers interested in quantum computing and its practical applications. While the program is particularly relevant for Master's students, PhD students, and early-career researchers, applications from participants at all stages of their academic careers are welcome.
- Participation is subject to approval. Applicants are required to complete the online registration and submit supporting application documents. Further details can be found on the registration page.
Costs & Services
The participation is free of charge and includes:
- One week of lectures and hands-on sessions led by experts from academia and industry;
- Access to quantum computing resources through the JUNIQ platform during the school;
- Lunch and coffee breaks on all days;
- Social dinner during the school and a closing lunch on Friday;
- Public transportation tickets between Aachen and Jülich for the duration of the event.